The Face Masks That Changed My Skin (for the better)

I've become addicted to face masks (they really do work!) and in this post, I'm sharing my top picks. Committing to a routine of using a mask at least twice a week has without a doubt improved the condition of my skin. I like to rotate the masks I use depending on how my skin is feeling, so the products featured in this list cover a variety of concerns from dehydration to clogged pores.

First up and the newest in my collection is The Ordinary 30% AHA and 2% BHA Peeling Solution. This stuff is hectic! I've never used a mask that so quickly catalyzed a visible change in my skin. I apply a thin layer (using a flat foundation brush), leaving it on for no more than 10 minutes. Straight away you feel it getting to work; it's itchy and tingly and slightly stingy, so those of you with sensitive skin beware. I don't see a change immediately but about 2 days later, my skin looks amazing. It looks smoother and more refined. Pores appear smaller, fine lines disappear and the more I use it, the fainter my PIHP appears (acne scars). It's surprisingly inexpensive but unfortunately can't be shipped to Australia from The Ordinary's website. Thank goodness for ASOS though, who don't seem to have a problem delivering it down under!

Next up is Paula's Choice Radiance Renewal Mask. This is a rich creamy gel whose main component is Niacinamide, a wunderkind of skincare ingredients. I leave it on overnight and wake up with skin that appears brighter and more even. Niacinamide is fantastic for lightening unwanted pigmentation and also regulating oil production, so is basically my holy grail skincare ingredient.

When my skin is feeling a bit clogged up or I feel a breakout bubbling beneath the surface, I reach for the Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque. This contains charcoal and volcanic ash to draw impurities out of the skin, combined with lactic and mandelic acid for gentle chemical exfoliation. The fine gritty texture also works as a physical scrub to buff away flakiness when you rinse it off. Whereas it takes a day or two to see results with the Ordinary's Peeling Solution, this immediately improves the appearance of my skin.

On the opposite side of the spectrum is The Body Shop's British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask. This cooling gel soothes and calms my skin, adding hydration and juicy plumpness. It smells so freaking good; they seriously need to release a scented candle with this fragrance. I like to use this after a flight or whenever my skin is feeling dehydrated; it's like a tall glass of water for my face.

And finally as an honorable mention I have another mask from The Body Shop, it's The Himalyan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask. This is an excellent dupe for Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing treatment. It looks the same, smells the same and the results are much the same, with a much more appealing price-tag.